North Dakota Bakken rig count holds at 23, down one rig

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained at 23 on Saturday, July 25, 2026, according to live rig data monitored by Bakken Wire. The count held steady despite one rig being removed from service.

Phoenix Operating LLC was the only operator to report a change, removing its T&S DRILLING 2 rig from location 161-93-1 in Burke County. No new rigs were activated and no rigs moved between locations, resulting in a net day-over-day decrease of one active drilling unit.

The current fleet of 23 rigs represents a decline from recent historical activity. The count is down by two rigs compared to one week ago, when 25 rigs were active on July 18. Compared to one month ago, on June 25, the rig count has also fallen by two, from 25.

The stability in the overall count suggests that, while some operators are completing wells and releasing rigs, other drilling campaigns are maintaining their pace. The focus of activity remains concentrated among operators with ongoing development programs in the state's core Bakken and Three Forks acreage.

A rig count in the low 20s has been characteristic of the North Dakota market in recent years, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital spending by operators and a focus on generating free cash flow. The current level is sufficient to maintain or moderately grow production from the prolific Bakken formation, which requires continuous drilling to offset steep decline rates from existing wells.

For service companies and communities in the Williston Basin, the rig count is a key indicator of near-term economic activity. The slight pullback over the last month suggests a potential easing in drilling demand as operators execute their annual plans. Market watchers will monitor upcoming quarterly earnings reports and guidance from Bakken-focused producers for any signals of a change in drilling tempo for the remainder of 2026.